• One of the cheapest 7-seaters you can buy
• Proven Honda i-VTEC powertrain and CVT transmission
• Maintenance costs similar to City (but more expensive)

Call it an MPV or an SUV, there’s no denying the Honda BR-V (standing for Bold Runabout-Vehicle) is a superbly designed 7-seater people mover that won’t break the bank.

First launched in Malaysia in 2017, the BR-V was specifically designed and developed by Honda R&D Asia Pacific (HRAP) – therefore it’s an ASEAN product, designed for ASEAN customers. 

The earliest units of the Honda BR-V, now approaching 5 years old, are priced between RM 50k to RM 60k, or roughly the price of a Perodua Alza, which will soon be discontinued anyway.

So, is the BR-V the perfect starter family vehicle for you? Let's dive deeper...

How much when it was new?

The Honda BR-V was introduced here in two variants: Grade E and V at the following price:

• BR-V 1.5 E: RM 85,800
• BR-V 1.5 V: RM 92,800

The BR-V is powered by a 120 PS / 145 Nm 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, which is also found in the popular Honda City and Jazz models. In both BR-V variants, power is routed to the front wheels via an ‘Earth Dreams’ CVT automatic transmission.

Based on a mix of Honda Brio and Honda Jazz parts / platform, the BR-V features MacPherson struts for the front and torsion beam suspension at the rear. Stopping power is provided by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear.

All variants of the Honda BR-V are offered with 195/60 R16 wheels.

In terms of safety, the BR-V is equipped as standard with 2 airbags, ABS, and Stability Control - nothing great but it wasn't any poorer than its segment rivals.

After some delays caused by the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, the BR-V facelift was eventually launched in Malaysia in June 2020.

The new model featured a revised front grille and bumper, newly designed dual-tone wheels and updated rear bumper – the BR-V (especially the 1.5 E variant) notably got a substantial boost in equipment.

Both variants got the following upgrades:

• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Automatic air-conditioning
• Cabin filter
• Tweeter speakers (total 6-speakers)
• Start/Stop button

The 1.5V variant received a new 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (up from 6.1-inch), auto headlamps, paddle shifters, and leather seats with red highlights (inclusive gearshift knob with red stitching).

There was an increase in prices for the facelifted Honda BR-V due to changes in customised incentives for Honda. Like before, two variants were offered:

• BR-V 1.5 E: RM 89,900
• BR-V 1.5 V: RM 96,900

Also read: Pros and Cons: Honda BR-V – Still better than the Mitsubishi Xpander?

Rivals 

Other alternatives to the Honda BR-V are the second-generation Toyota Avanza or Nissan Grand Livina. 

Both the Avanza and Livina can be had for lesser money, but the BR-V is a more modern product in terms of its features and drivetrain. It is also better to drive. 

Which variant should I buy?

Given both the BR-V 1.5E and 1.5V are powered by the same engine, the overall reliability and cost of maintenance are the same.

Used prices of the E and V also do not differ by much, therefore it’s wise to go for the 1.5V variant which gives you front foglamps and additional convenience features like steering wheel audio controls, reverse camera and crucially, keyless entry.

Here’s a shortlist of the basic running costs of the BR-V:

Also read: Buying your first BMW: From RM 15k, a used E46 BMW 3 Series is a perfect starter’s choice

Market prices of the Honda BR-V

Prices for pre-facelift 2017 – 2019 units of the BR-V 1.5 E range between RM 50k to RM 56k.

The BR-V 1.5 V on the other hand, starts off at RM 55k and go up to RM 61k for low mileage units.

Given the BR-V’s popularity – used vehicle prices are rock-solid, retaining up to 60 percent of its value after approximately 5 years, giving it value retention that is on par with the Honda City.

As always, a comprehensive service history goes a long way in allowing you to properly plan and execute subsequent maintenance.

At the time of writing, there are 18 Carsome Certified Honda BR-V units on sale. 

All Carsome Certified vehicles come with 'Carsome Promise' which includes a 175-point inspection, professional car reconditioning, all-inclusive and at a fixed price.

If you're not happy, the deal includes a 5-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty.

Are there common problems with the Honda BR-V?

The BR-V is powered by the proven 1.5-litre i-VTEC mill also found in the Jazz and City, thus, maintenance costs are comparable and the overall reliability rock solid.

Likewise, the Earth Dreams CVT is known to go on for years without fuss, if cared for properly.

Here’s a simplified table of the basic maintenance schedule of a Honda BR-V:

Maintenance costs of the Honda BR-V are largely comparable to the Honda City and Jazz, except for fuel filter replacement, which costs RM 550, as opposed to approximately RM 350 for the City. In fact, even the Honda Civic FB’s fuel filter costs less.

Also read: Used Honda Civic FB for under RM 65k – Newer and better than the Civic FD, how much to maintain and repair?

The BR-V is mostly safe from common issues or premature problems.

However, there are complaints from certain owners regarding certain build quality problems in early production units.

Though far from common, these are complaints about fitment issues of the headlights and certain body panels (typically front bonnet) and soundproofing around the door edges (which results in wind noise at speed).

Another bugbear of many pre-facelift BR-V owners is the unavailability of a cabin filter. A cabin filter is not fitted from the factory, thus, needs to be retrofitted by a Honda service centre. Besides that, the filter element is also relatively expensive, at RM 200.

There are mixed reviews from certain owners about the BR-V second-row air-conditioning. Most commonly due to the rear A/C not blowing air that is as cold as the front. 

We'd list this simply as a caution, however, do check if the rear A/C blower is blowing air as cold as the front at least. The BR-V is equipped with a secondary condenser for the rear A/C blower - therefore if the rear isn't blowing cold air, the condenser might need to be looked at.

Besides routine maintenance, there are a few common problems that prospective buyers should look out for.

Besides small oil leaks from the valve cover and transmission filter gasket, oil leaks are very rare for the Honda L15Z engine.

In most cases, irregular maintenance and/or using low-quality engine oil are primary causes. 

Conclusion

The Honda BR-V should rank highly for small families who are looking to upsize their car or looking to own a practical second car that doesn't break the bank.

Few cars offer as much practicality and space as the BR-V whilst still being a superbly easy car to drive around town.

Some might lament that it only comes with two airbags, but that's pretty much the standard in the segment, plus it has stability control in all variants. 

Additionally given the BR-V enjoys good market demand and retains value very well - it is also easy to sell later on when the time comes to upgrade. 

For peace of mind, give your Honda BR-V the proper care it deserves with GoCar Garage. Operated by the Tan Chong group and based in Petaling Jaya, GoCar Garage offers a manufacturer level service experience, but it's open for all makes and models. 

Also read: Used E60 BMW 5 Series for under RM 35k. Common problems and how much to repair?

Also read: This is the all-new 2022 Honda BR-V, full Honda Sensing, 6 airbags, new DOHC engine